Pediatric Interventional Cardiology

The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, is an international leader in the development of interventional cardiac catheterization techniques to treat congenital heart disorders.

The Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Program was one of only three centers nationwide chosen to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve in patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow. The device, developed by Medtronic, Inc, makes possible the replacement of a patient’s pulmonary valve without open-heart surgery. As a result of the trial, the device received FDA approval in 2010.

Minimally Invasive Management of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

Video-assisted endoscopic techniques for congenital heart disease were pioneered at The Heart Program. Using endoscopic cameras and specially designed instruments, several cardiac abnormalities can now be corrected through small punctures, avoiding large incisions in the patient’s chest. This minimally traumatic technique of interventional cardiology results in less post-operative pain, more rapid recovery and enhanced cosmetic results for the patient.

The following heart defects have been repaired using pediatric interventional cardiology: